The MexicoBlog of the CIP Americas Program monitors and analyzes international press on Mexico with a focus on the US-backed War on Drugs in Mexico and the struggle in Mexico to strengthen the rule of law, justice and protection of human rights. Relevant political developments in both countries are also covered.

U.S. Department of State: "The Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (MDPSCS) recently signed a cooperative agreement to train leaders of Mexico’s state-level Model Police Units (MPUs).

The Mexican Government is committed to have MPUs in nearly all 31 Mexican states and the capital. An MPU is a 422 person vetted police task force specially trained to address the violence and escalating crime initiated by the drug trafficking organizations operating in Mexico. With State Department Merida Initiative funding, the MDPSCS will work with Mexico’s Federal Police to develop training and materials. The initial engagement will include MPU leaders from priority states along our shared border that are facing the biggest threat from the cartels." read more